3FULGEAR's VALUES
3FULGEAR is dedicated to providing affordable ultralight hiking gear for all outdoor enthusiasts.
This mission has been at the heart of our brand since we started in 2008. The name “3F” comes from a mountain known as a beginner-friendly peak, one that introduces hundreds of climbers each week to the breathtaking world of the outdoors. That’s exactly why we created 3FULGEAR—to inspire and equip people to explore the world of ultralight hiking through our innovative products.
ORIGIN
Mr. Ye was formerly a tent pattern maker who spent many years working in a Korean tent factory. However, during the 2008 Asian financial crisis, many tent factories shut down, leading him to gather a group of displaced workers and establish 3FULGEAR.
While hiking, Mr. Ye met his hiking partner, Mr. Liang (trail name: Flat Tank). Both shared a passion for hiking, camping, and fishing, with Mr. Liang being particularly inspired by the philosophy of lightweight gear. Together, they began designing and crafting lightweight outdoor products.
Mr. Liang, a well-known figure in the lightweight hiking community, met a new hiking partner, Yu, in 2015. Together, they tackled some of the most challenging trails. Inspired by their experiences, Yu left his job as a guide and outdoor educator to join the team, focusing on improving and designing innovative products. Over the years, they hiked thousands of kilometers, rigorously testing their gear on the trails. This hands-on approach led to the evolution of the Lanshan line, which has since become a highly popular ultralight tent series.
The inspiration for some product names even came during their hikes. For instance, during an expedition in Tibet, Yu stood atop a summit, gazing at the endless mountain ranges stretching to the horizon. He turned to Flat Tank and suggested, “How about naming our new backpack ‘Yue’?” (岳, meaning “big mountain” in Chinese and Japanese). Flat Tank replied, “Great idea—let’s do it.”
Who designed and made your equipment?
YePeihong - Founder
Ye (1st one on the right) is designing new tent
Mr. Ye is a skilled tent pattern maker and engineer, and the driving force behind all technical aspects of 3FULGEAR. From pattern design and sewing to modifying and repairing sewing machines, as well as innovating new manufacturing processes, Mr. Ye’s expertise is incredibly versatile. His passion for ultralight gear has been a constant since the early days of his career, and he has earned the admiration of ultralight hikers with his meticulously handcrafted tents.
In 2010, Mr. Ye designed and launched the Xingyun, an affordable single-person ultralight shelter weighing just under 800 grams. He loves engaging with the hiking community, sharing insights on crafting lightweight tents, and introducing them to innovative concepts that challenge traditional designs.
In 2013, Mr. Ye met Liang Xueyan at an outdoor event. The two became long-time hiking partners before eventually joining forces as colleagues. Together, they created the Lanshan series of tents, which quickly gained popularity and became a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
While Mr. Ye no longer hikes as frequently due to the health problem, he still enjoys car camping and fishing, activities that continue to inspire his creativity. His Beetle tent designs, in particular, have become highly sought after in markets like Japan and Korea, showcasing his enduring influence in the world of ultralight gear.
Xu Xiaofang - Production Director
Ms. Xu Xiaofang has been crafting tents since 1997. As a technical manager at an international outdoor products corporation with over 20,000 employees, she has extensive expertise in a wide range of manufacturing processes and techniques. After marrying Mr. Ye, she not only found happiness in her personal life but also brought her invaluable skills to 3FULGEAR, where she oversees factory operations and refines technical details. Known for her uncompromising commitment to quality, it’s fair to say that without her dedication, 3FULGEAR products would not achieve their exceptional standard of craftsmanship.
Liang Xueyan (Flat tank) - Vice President
Flat Tank is an experienced ultralight hiker with over 4,000 kilometers of trail experience. Through his extensive treks, he has honed his outdoor skills and generated innovative ideas for gear design—leading to the creation of iconic products like the Lanshan tent and the Qidian pack. During several challenging expeditions, he crafted his own gear, such as the Tutor pack for the demanding AOTAI trek (a high-altitude, off-trail route known for its high mortality rate), and rigorously tested items like rain kilts and tents in harsh, stormy conditions. These products later gained widespread acclaim for their performance and reliability.
Liang has little interest in traditional outdoor gear, preferring instead to use minimalist, self-designed equipment. Deeply inspired by Ray Jardine’s philosophy of lightweight hiking, he named his pack “Tutor” as a tribute to Jardine, whom he regards as a master and mentor in the world of ultralight backpacking.
Yu Liu (Little Yu) - Director of Branding and Design
Yu is an ecologist and former scientific researcher who honed a wide range of outdoor skills through extensive time in the wilderness. He later co-founded a renowned outdoor and mountaineering company with a friend, serving as a guide, outdoor educator, and senior instructor certified by the National Mountaineering Association.
With over 10,000 kilometers of hiking experience—both on and off trails—Yu spends 2-3 months each year living in the wild. His deep understanding of wilderness survival is matched by his passion for MYOG (Make Your Own Gear) and sharing his knowledge with others. He is equally enthusiastic about teaching through presentations and outdoor courses, offering practical advice on topics like lightening your pack, using tarps instead of tents, switching to quilts over sleeping bags, navigating with a map and compass instead of GPS, and maintaining health in extreme conditions.
Since joining 3FULGEAR, Yu has bridged the gap between product design and real-world experience, ensuring that gear meets the needs of hikers. He loves engaging with the hiking community, and if you reach out to us via email, there’s a good chance he’ll be the one responding!
A disappearing generation
3FULGEAR tents and backpacks are manufactured in-house by our skilled team of craftsmen, many of whom have 15-20 years of experience in sewing. However, many of these artisans are nearing retirement, and finding their replacements is becoming increasingly challenging. Few young people today know how to operate sewing machines, as over 90% of sewing factories have gone out of business in the past two decades, leaving little opportunity for this craft to thrive.
At 3FULGEAR, we are committed to supporting our staff by providing free meals, pensions, and health insurance. Our mission goes beyond serving hikers—it’s about creating a positive impact on the lives of our team as well. We firmly believe that people who work in a supportive and healthy environment are able to create products of true value.